Ayurvedic practitioner in Kauai, Hawaii with Kathryn Stoerzbach

The California College of Ayurveda is pleased to introduce the Ayurvedic Health Practitioner Interns 2016. Interns have completed their academic studies and work under the supervision of experienced clinical instructors. This semester's talented group of interns comes from throughout the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.

Ayurvedic Health Practitioner (AHP) interns work on supporting patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle that is in harmony with their constitution. Patients learn about their constitution as well as the nature of any imbalances. They will also receive support to adjust their diet and lifestyle accordingly and to normalize your digestion and elimination. As part of the Ayurvedic program, an intern can include ayurvedic herbs, aromatherapy, color therapy, sound and mantra, and Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy. This is is the best of preventative health care! For those who have a specific condition and are looking for clinical management through Ayurvedic Medicine, they should consider having a consultation with an Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist intern or graduate.

Interview with Kathryn from Hawaii

1) What inspired you to study Ayurvedic Medicine?

After completing my yoga teacher training at the Kalani Oceanside Retreat Center on Hawaii, I decided to stay for a 10-day Ayurvedic, Yoga, and Alexander workshop. At that particular time I had little to zero knowledge Ayurveda. Carol Prentice, the leader and facilitator, captivated my attention with the knowledge and basic fundamentals of Ayurveda. I become completely intrigued with this ancient form of medicine and how elemental and common sense it was. After leaving the workshop, I took a 6 week online course with Carol and dove deeper into the fundamentals. With my quest and thirst for understanding and learning more, Carol so sweetly said to me, “Have you thought about becoming a practitioner yourself?” And now here I am.

2) What do you think makes Ayurveda attractive to the public?

With Ayurveda being an individualized health care system, it speaks directly to a person and their imbalances. Working with the five elements, which make up all organic and in-organic matter, makes discovering and healing the root cause of disease possible. It’s the most holistic medical approach I have ever witnessed. The wisdom of the medicine speaks volumes to those who will listen as it can benefit everyone and their lifestyles.

3) What do you think about the future of Ayurveda in your country?

As Ayurveda becomes more recognized and understood, people will see the value and the effectiveness of this particular approach. As we all continue to awaken to more fundamental way of living, individuals as well as whole nations will begin to see how Ayurveda can empower and heal not only ourselves but also a larger collective group.

4) What is your favorite therapy in this traditional system of medicine from India?

My favorite therapy hands down is shirodhara. I had never experienced something like it before. It soothes the complete body and nervous system while making a person feel rejuvenated and refreshed after the treatment. It addresses the overworked individual and helps alleviate overproduction in all layers, physically, emotionally, and mentally.

5) Biography:

I was born in the small town of Galesburg, Illinois. After graduating with a 4 year degree elementary and early childhood education, I decided to go aboard and teach at different international schools. One year in Asia turned into four years. I settled and lived in Thailand, China, and Taiwan during those four years. During this time I traveled many different countries and islands in Southeast Asia as well as Europe and some of South America. I was exposed to a wealth of information and wisdom from ancient cultures and civilizations. My interest in medicine and how the body works on an emotional and spiritual level continued to grow with each passing year. I started to study Traditional Chinese Medicine and other types of healing modalities. When I came across Ayurveda I was taken aback as I was unaware that there was such a holistic and well rounded approach to an individual and their specific needs in healing mind, body, and spirit. I slowly started to study this particular branch of medicine and soon I was asking where I could learn more. So, here I am, beginning my internship in 2016 after a year of intensive study with CCA and with great gratitude in my heart as Ayurveda is slowly healing my own imbalances and deeper disease pathways.